DIY - 50i Spark Plugs

Silververtu · 10-22-2021, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N7_Prolific

Just to be sure, so your saying gap the plugs even if am not running a tune?

0.028"

Maverik259 · 10-25-2021, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N7_Prolific

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by N7_Prolific

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikegfx4

So I've had a sort of shudder under medium acceleration since I bought my 50i. This seems a bit worse in very hot weather but it happens most times, it's not severe but can be felt the rpm doesn't fluctuate at all when this happens, just feels like I'm running over some bumps sort of. No warning lights or codes at all.

I recently swapped the plugs thinking it might be an intermittent miss and it might have gotten slightly better but not gone. most plugs looked good to me, driver side rear plug was pretty carbon covered, actually had a carbon bridge between the electrode and ground, the passenger side rear looked oddly clean when compare to the rest of them as well. Are coils the next thing to do or am I looking in the wrong place?

Yes to coils

Could you advise me if it's best to stick with stock plugs for now instead of m plugs? Am not tuning right this minute have some other stuff I want to do before but I want to change my plugs.

You can run M plugs. Just make sure you gap them before installing.

Just to be sure, so your saying gap the plugs even if am not running a tune?

1) They don't come to the correct gap.
2) gap now or uninstall all of them and gap when you decide to tune.

Fknid · 12-03-2021, 12:10 AM

Thank you to OP for posting the change procedure, it was very helpful to understand what’s required to complete the job.

My spark plugs have done about 40,000 kms and some look terrible. The largest gap is 0.95mm, and others are 0.8mm or less.

The X5 50i really chews through oil and plugs. Also, I had some difficulty getting two of the coils out, because the BMW Stealer who did the job last time broke the clips on them.

New plugs are gapped to 0.8mm as standard and I went with the non-M plugs.

There is a noticeable change in the smoothness of acceleration in higher gears with low rpms.

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Chilled · 12-03-2021, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fknid

Thank you to OP for posting the change procedure, it was very helpful to understand what’s required to complete the job.

My spark plugs have done about 40,000 kms and some look terrible. The largest gap is 0.95mm, and others are 0.8mm or less.

The X5 50i really chews through oil and plugs. Also, I had some difficulty getting two of the coils out, because the BMW Stealer who did the job last time broke the clips on them.

New plugs are gapped to 0.8mm as standard and I went with the non-M plugs.

There is a noticeable change in the smoothness of acceleration in higher gears with low rpms.

Attachment 2756850
Attachment 2756851
Attachment 2756852

So are the non M plugs smoother or ??

Fknid · 12-03-2021, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilled

So are the non M plugs smoother or ??

They are when the M ones looked like mine did! The change in driving is only due to the difference in age/wear.

Unless someone can enlighten me, I don’t think the BMW M ones are any different than the standard Bosch ones.

Maverik259 · 05-15-2022, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fknid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilled

So are the non M plugs smoother or ??

They are when the M ones looked like mine did! The change in driving is only due to the difference in age/wear.

Unless someone can enlighten me, I don’t think the BMW M ones are any different than the standard Bosch ones.

They are different. How exactly? Idk. It's nothing noticeable on the surface so my guess would be in materials. They way yours look after 40k had nothing to do with the spark plug.

I'm changing mine again. My oem M plugs have gone 50k miles without a single hiccup with a tune. Changing now because I had free time this weekend and my wife drives it as a daily since I moved to an M5. Also decided to replace the coils as well since I don't want to have to open it all up in 20k miles should the coils start to go. Picked up a set of Eldor and decided to give NGK a try as I could source them for cheaper than OEM M plugs.

I'll post picks on what they look like.

Fknid · 05-15-2022, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

They are different. How exactly? Idk.

All the specs are the same, so the only likely difference is the M printed on it.

Maverik259 · 05-16-2022, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fknid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

They are different. How exactly? Idk.

All the specs are the same, so the only likely difference is the M printed on it.

Please provide source for specs. Good verified information would be appreciated.

On a side note for everyone else. Here is a pic of the plugs after about 50k miles.

Maverik259 · 05-16-2022, 02:33 PM

Here's the oem Bosch and new eldor coils. They look pretty good for 80k miles.

Maverik259 · 05-16-2022, 11:27 PM

So in typical bmw style a plastic coupler broke when I was moving tubes around. It's to the oil return line so not under pressure so I simply used some JB plastic weld. Shouldn't be an issue but I'll check back in a couple days to see if any oil is leaking.

Other than that everything is great. Could immediately tell a difference on start up. Very quick and smooth.

Only snag was it took a bit more focus to get the coils to seat all the way down. I remember the last time they seemed to just pop back on. These gave a bit of resistance that last mm or 2.

Fknid · 05-16-2022, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Please provide source for specs. Good verified information would be appreciated.

I'll let you look it up.

bmwx5er · 05-18-2022, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Ok after a week and replacement of broken parts here it is...I'll post the write up first and then add pics back to it so please be patient if you're seeing this come to life and try not to reply with quote!

Parts:
8 new spark plugs
3/8" Socket wrench
3/8" Torque wrench
14pt thin wall spark plug socket
2x universal swivel joints
3" extension
2x 6" extensions
Flat head screw driver
T20 screw driver
E26 socket (need to double check size)
**Reports of some not needing E socket but rather a T30.**

Thanks for the write up, was very handy when I examined my friend's plugs for misfire yday. The socket sizes for removing the auxiliary coolant housing and bracket are T25, T30 and E8.

Maverik259 · 05-19-2022, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fknid

I'll let you look it up.

lol. That's what i thought.

Fknid · 05-19-2022, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

lol. That's what i thought.

So you're asking - "Good verified information would be appreciated." and you started with this:

"They are different. How exactly? Idk."

You first. I'm not your mother, the specs are freely available on Bosch's website.

bmwx5er · 05-20-2022, 08:36 AM

FCP euro offers the same non-M spark plugs for F85 as well. I did some digging recently before I bought the non-M ones for my 2017 F85 (haven't installed it yet). Here's a thread with good info: https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1605952

From the info in the thread, it appears that both plugs are identical except in center electrode diameter.

Maverik259 · 05-20-2022, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fknid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

lol. That's what i thought.

So you're asking - "Good verified information would be appreciated." and you started with this:

"They are different. How exactly? Idk."

You first. I'm not your mother, the specs are freely available on Bosch's website.

Quiet kid. The adults are working.

Maverik259 · 05-20-2022, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwx5er

FCP euro offers the same non-M spark plugs for F85 as well. I did some digging recently before I bought the non-M ones for my 2017 F85 (haven't installed it yet). Here's a thread with good info: https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1605952

From the info in the thread, it appears that both plugs are identical except in center electrode diameter.

Thanks for the info. I don't doubt they both will work. Just doesn't really answer the question though. Nobody answers why the M version has a larger diode. No doubt they stopped because it was cheaper to just use one spark plug for all applications. They're both running FI with only a few psi differing.

All I can do is provide personal experience. That's the point of a forum that seems to get lost on these new comers as of late. At 20k miles I increased boost with a race hip and within weeks my plugs were fouled and I was bogging down under WOT. I Put in the M version and ran them for another 55k miles without issue. At $4/ idc if they were almost the same. They were clearly better. So idk what to tell y'all.

Either way doesn't matter, we only used the M version years ago because they were cheapest available! I used NGK this go around. But I'm sure someone will tell me they're the same as oem too. Haha

Fknid · 05-20-2022, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Quiet kid. The adults are working.

Lol. That’s what I thought.

hypnotiqdmg · 08-30-2022, 09:09 AM

Can't detail the usefulness of this thread enough.

to the OP for the amazing amount of detail and great pics. Recently purchased bm3 and plan on tuning soon. I'm at 40k miles now so will probably stick with the "if it isn't broke don't fix it" approach. If I'm lucky stock plugs will last till 50k to 60k which would have been time to change anyway. Already plan to refer back to this thread as soon as I need to replace plugs/coils.

Maverik259 · 09-02-2022, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypnotiqdmg

Can't detail the usefulness of this thread enough.

to the OP for the amazing amount of detail and great pics. Recently purchased bm3 and plan on tuning soon. I'm at 40k miles now so will probably stick with the "if it isn't broke don't fix it" approach. If I'm lucky stock plugs will last till 50k to 60k which would have been time to change anyway. Already plan to refer back to this thread as soon as I need to replace plugs/coils.

Glad to hear it bud. Good luck.

johnny7322 · 09-03-2022, 01:21 PM

Thanks for the diy, it helped me out.

PGH_X5 · 04-21-2023, 05:53 PM

Nice DIY, saved me some time for sure. Plugs on my stock 50i were definitely toast at 67k. Their gaps were all over the place. New Bosch plugs came out of the box a little tight at less than .030...all of them. Gapped to.030 plus a little.

Didn't bother with coils at this time but did manage to break one clip. No worries, you can secure the plug with a zip tie and little effort if you do.

Amazing about of pickup restored. Shocking amount actually.

12-03-2021, 12:10 AM	#157
Fknid Private First Class 39 Rep 111 Posts Drives: BMW 2014 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Thank you to OP for posting the change procedure, it was very helpful to understand what’s required to complete the job. My spark plugs have done about 40,000 kms and some look terrible. The largest gap is 0.95mm, and others are 0.8mm or less. The X5 50i really chews through oil and plugs. Also, I had some difficulty getting two of the coils out, because the BMW Stealer who did the job last time broke the clips on them. New plugs are gapped to 0.8mm as standard and I went with the non-M plugs. There is a noticeable change in the smoothness of acceleration in higher gears with low rpms.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2022, 02:33 PM	#163
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	Here's the oem Bosch and new eldor coils. They look pretty good for 80k miles. Attached Images __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
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05-16-2022, 11:27 PM	#164
Maverik259 Major General 4140 Rep 7,160 Posts Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M5 [10.00] 2014 X5 50i [0.00]	So in typical bmw style a plastic coupler broke when I was moving tubes around. It's to the oil return line so not under pressure so I simply used some JB plastic weld. Shouldn't be an issue but I'll check back in a couple days to see if any oil is leaking. Other than that everything is great. Could immediately tell a difference on start up. Very quick and smooth. Only snag was it took a bit more focus to get the coils to seat all the way down. I remember the last time they seemed to just pop back on. These gave a bit of resistance that last mm or 2. __________________ '07 Yamaha R1 (sold) '06 C55 AMG (sold) ‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe '14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2022, 08:36 AM	#169
bmwx5er Major 360 Rep 1,340 Posts Drives: 2017 X5m Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Seattle iTrader: (8)	FCP euro offers the same non-M spark plugs for F85 as well. I did some digging recently before I bought the non-M ones for my 2017 F85 (haven't installed it yet). Here's a thread with good info: https://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1605952 From the info in the thread, it appears that both plugs are identical except in center electrode diameter.
	Appreciate 1 Maverik2594140.00 Quote

08-30-2022, 09:09 AM	#173
hypnotiqdmg Enlisted Member 15 Rep 40 Posts Drives: BMW X5 (F15), M2, i3, S1000RR Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Louisville, KY iTrader: (1)	Can't detail the usefulness of this thread enough. to the OP for the amazing amount of detail and great pics. Recently purchased bm3 and plan on tuning soon. I'm at 40k miles now so will probably stick with the "if it isn't broke don't fix it" approach. If I'm lucky stock plugs will last till 50k to 60k which would have been time to change anyway. Already plan to refer back to this thread as soon as I need to replace plugs/coils. __________________ 2017 (F15) X5 50i M-Sport 2015 (I01) i3 2010 (K46) Motorsport S1000RR Retired: 14 (F25) Alpine White 3.5i MSport, 2005 (E53) Imola Red 4.8is, 95 (E36) Boston Metallic 325i
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
DIY - 50i Spark Plugs

09-03-2022, 01:21 PM	#175
johnny7322 New Member 11 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5 50i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the diy, it helped me out.
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04-21-2023, 05:53 PM	#176
PGH_X5 Private First Class 63 Rep 111 Posts Drives: BMW X5 xdrive50i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: NW PA iTrader: (0)	Nice DIY, saved me some time for sure. Plugs on my stock 50i were definitely toast at 67k. Their gaps were all over the place. New Bosch plugs came out of the box a little tight at less than .030...all of them. Gapped to.030 plus a little. Didn't bother with coils at this time but did manage to break one clip. No worries, you can secure the plug with a zip tie and little effort if you do. Amazing about of pickup restored. Shocking amount actually.
	Appreciate 1 Maverik2594140.00 Quote